Lupus - Job Accommodation Network

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Effective Accommodation Practices

(EAP) Series

Job Accommodations for

People with Lupus

JAN’S EAP SERIES

J OB A CCOMMODATIONS FOR P EOPLE

WITH L UPUS

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of various parts of the body. The body's immune system normally makes proteins called antibodies to protect the body against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials called antigens.

In an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between antigens and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against "self." These antibodies, called "auto-antibodies," react with the "self" antigens to form immune complexes; individuals with lupus produce too many antibodies. The immune complexes build up in the tissues and cause inflammation, injury to tissues, and pain by attacking functioning organs, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys. Although lupus can affect any part of the body, the most common symptoms are butterfly-shaped skin rashes; arthritis; nephritis (kidney problems); inflammation of the lungs, heart, or abdominal cavity; and gastrointestinal disorders. Other symptoms include fatigue, fever, impaired vision, weight fluctuation, headaches, frequent infections, anemia, alopecia (hair loss), seizures, and photosensitivity.

The following is a quick overview of some of the job accommodations that might be useful for people with lupus. For a more in depth discussion, access JAN's publications at http://AskJAN.org/media/atoz.htm. To discuss an accommodation situation with a consultant, contact JAN directly.

Photosensitivity:

Minimize outdoor activities between the peak hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm

Avoid reflective surfaces such as sand, snow, and concrete

Provide clothing to block UV rays

 Provide “waterproof” sun-protective agents such as sun blocks or sunscreens

Install low wattage overhead lights

Provide task lighting

Replace fluorescent lighting with full spectrum or natural lighting

Eliminate blinking and flickering lights

Install adjustable window blinds and light filters

Fatigue/Weakness:

Reduce or eliminate physical exertion and workplace stress

Schedule periodic rest breaks away from the workstation

Allow a flexible work schedule, flexible use of leave time, and/or work from home

Implement ergonomic workstation design

Provide a scooter or other mobility aid if walking cannot be reduced

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Fine Motor Impairment:

Implement ergonomic workstation design

Provide alternative computer access

Provide alternative telephone access

Provide arm supports

Provide writing and grip aids

Provide a page turner and a book holder

Provide a note taker

Migraine Headaches:

Provide task lighting

Eliminate fluorescent lighting

Use computer monitor glare guards

Reduce noise

Provide alternate work space to reduce visual and auditory distractions

Implement a "fragrance-free" workplace policy

Provide air purification devices

Allow flexible work hours

Allow periodic rest breaks

Allow work from home

Respiratory Difficulties:

Provide adjustable ventilation

Keep work environment free from dust, smoke, odor, and fumes

Implement a "fragrancefree" workplace policy and a “smoke-free” building policy

Avoid temperature extremes

Use fan/air-conditioner or heater at the workstation

Redirect air-conditioning and heating vents

Provide adequate exhaust systems to remove fumes from office machines

Allow individual to wear a respirator mask

Allow work from home

Cognitive Impairment:

Provide written job instructions when possible

Prioritize job assignments

Allow flexible work hours

Allow periodic rest periods to reorient

Provide memory aids, such as schedulers or organizers

Minimize distractions

Allow a self-paced workload

Reduce job stress

Provide more structure

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Seizure Activity:

Eliminate the need to use sharp objects

Eliminate blinking and flickering lights

Replace fluorescent lighting with full spectrum or natural lighting

Use computer monitor glare guards, adjust monitor intensity and color, and decrease the cursor speed of the mouse

Provide protective clothing/equipment

Modify job tasks requiring fine finger dexterity

Allow flexible work hours

Allow periodic rest breaks

Allow work from home

Stress:

Develop strategies to deal with work problems before they arise

Provide sensitivity training to coworkers

Allow telephone calls during work hours to doctors and others for support

Provide information on counseling and employee assistance programs

Vision Impairment:

Magnify written material using hand/stand optical magnifiers

Provide large print material, screen reading software, and large-size high resolution monitor

Control glare by adding a glare screen to the computer

Install proper office lighting

Allow frequent rest breaks

Resources Specifically for People with Lupus

Lupus Foundation of America

2000 L Street, N.W., Suite 4 10

Washington, DC 20036

Toll Free: (800)558-0121

Direct: (202)349-1155

Fax: (202)349-1156 http://www.lupus.org

Updated 06/04/13.

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This document was developed by the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). Preparation of this item was funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, Grant Number OD-23442-12-75-4-54. This document does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S.

Department of Labor, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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